The Master in Science and Technology of Wood and Wooden Products trains specialists for high-level positions in the wood industry. The courses offered prepare technologists with in-depth knowledge of wood as a material—from its molecular structure to its processing and marketing.
The programme is divided into four parts:
a preparatory phase to ensure understanding of basic concepts;
study of the wood material, sourcing, and degradation;
processing, qualification, structural design, and marketing;
a three-month internship in a company.
At the end of the training programme, participants will have acquired an advanced understanding of wood as a material and a comprehensive view of the challenges across the entire industry supply chain, from raw material procurement to the evaluation of completed constructions.
The Master in Science and Technology of Wood and Wooden Products is structured into four educational modules:
a preparatory phase to ensure knowledge of basic concepts;
study of wood as a material, sourcing, and degradation;
processing, qualification, structural design, and marketing;
possibility of a three-month internship in a company.
The wood technology expert becomes capable of assessing the quality characteristics of wood sourced from forests or of wood products from primary and/or secondary processing, and can select the most suitable wood product for different applications.
The Master in Science and Technology of Wood and Wooden Products is primarily intended for graduates in civil/building and materials engineering, as well as graduates in earth sciences (forestry, agricultural sciences, chemistry, physics, and biology), but also for architects and degree-holding professionals interested in deepening and developing expertise in the wood sector. It aims to train wood technology experts who may find employment in primary and secondary wood processing companies, as well as in companies that enhance the value of wood (or its components) for specific products (e.g. paper and cardboard, flooring, cladding, packaging), in the timber construction sector, and in the furniture industry.
In particular, the wood technology expert is capable of assessing the quality characteristics of wood sourced from forests or of wood products from primary and/or secondary processing, and can select the most suitable wood product for different applications.
The Master in Science and Technology of Wood and Wooden Products includes an in-depth study through four thematic modules:
Module 1 – FOUNDATIONS – November–December (6 ECTS)
This module covers the foundational topics necessary for the development of the core modules. Basics of plant biology and structural mechanics will be addressed in a way that supports the understanding of more specialized subjects. The courses offered are:
- Forestry Foundations
- Engineering Foundations
Module 2 – CORE MODULE 1 – January–April (21 ECTS)
This module focuses on solid wood, exploring various aspects related to its nature, structure, and composition. The following five courses will be offered during this period:
- Timber Construction – Part 1
- Wood Science and Anatomy
- Wood Degradation and Diagnostics
- Timber Grading and Classification
- Wood Processing Technologies
Module 3 – CORE MODULE 2 – April–July (21 ECTS)
This module addresses more complex topics, including the use of construction tools, the introduction of composite materials, life cycle assessment, and marketing opportunities. The six courses included in this module are:
- Timber Construction – Part 2
- BIM (Building Information Modeling)
- Wood Bonding and Preservation
- Environmental Sustainability
- Marketing
- Forest Economics
- Module 4 – COMPANY INTERNSHIP – September–October (12 ECTS)
The final part of the programme includes a company internship, during which students will engage with local businesses and gain hands-on experience with the diversity and complexity of real-world industry dynamics.
The Master in Science and Technology of Wood and Wooden Products provides a total of 60 ECTS and includes 48 ECTS of online coursework, organized into 3 modules.
Lectures will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in 2-hour blocks (5:00–6:30 PM; 7:00–8:30 PM), and on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in 2-hour blocks (9:00–10:30 AM; 11:00–12:30 PM; 2:00–3:30 PM; 4:00–5:30 PM).
The three teaching modules will take place as follows:
- Module 1: November – December (6 ECTS)
- Module 2: January – April (21 ECTS)
- Module 3: May – July (21 ECTS)
A final company internship (Module 4) of 300 hours (12 ECTS) is scheduled for the period of September–October.
A comprehensive final oral examination will be held, covering all the subjects taught.
Attendance of at least 70% of the ECTS offered is mandatory.
The teaching staff is composed primarily of professors from the University of Padua, with the contribution of renowned industry professionals to ensure a strong practical component to the programme.
The general ranking of merit will be published on the Italian page of this Master according to the timing provided in the Call.
Single course
Information
FAQ
Having a work experience in the wood sector is a preferential requirement.
Yes, mandatory attendance concerns at least 70% of the CFU provided.
Yes, there will be a final oral exam for all modules.
The Master will be held at the University of Padua – Agripolis Campus, Viale dell’Università, Legnaro (PD).